Debbie LaChusa

I'm taking a break from my normal marketing tips today and sharing a funny story about the realities of working from home. I officially opened my home office 8 years ago. But I've been working at least part time out of my home since my kids were born (they're 14 and almost 17 years old now). Last week I was putting together a proposal for a potential client and I needed to put my hands on some of my marketing samples and reference letters. Since I've been focusing much of my time over the past few years on building 10stepmarketing I haven't been taking on new marketing consulting clients, so it's been awhile since I've needed these materials. But, when I got a call last week from a client looking for marketing help, it sounded like a fun project so I decided to pursue it. Anyway, back to my story.

I opened the closet in my office to look for the materials and guess where I found them? Inside a "Pull Ups" box. If you're not familiar with Pull Ups, they're disposable training pants - basically one step up from diapers. I had to giggle when I saw it because it's obviously been a few years since we've used Pull Ups in our house! It's funny because my office is fully outfitted and it's all business. I've got computer, telephone and recording equipment, multiple filing cabinets and bookshelves for storage, but at the same time I realized I was storing important "business papers" in a diaper box! I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I had to laugh. Even though I teach business owners worldwide how to market, and I manage my clients' marketing budgets of hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars, I guess at heart I'm still just a work-at-home-mom!

Do you have a funny work at home story? I'd love to hear about it. Won't you share it?

This week I am celebrating the launch of a brand new program. It's called 6 Figure Work At Home Mom. I have been planning the launch since the beginning of the year and I purposely timed it to coincide with Mother's Day.

In my experience, tying marketing in with events and holidays is a great way to improve exposure and response rates. And, as a small business marketer, I am always looking to get the biggest bang for the buck!

I am very excited about this new program because it will allow me to help other moms do what I have done: find a way to be home with my kids and still have a challenging, mentally stimulating career that allows me to earn good money.

The program begins on May 16th and there are a limited number of spots available. You can get all the details here.

If you'd like to read the press release I used to announce the program, you can do so here.

Later this week I'll be sharing more about how you can make the most of your small marketing budget by tying your marketing in to events and holidays.

I just finished reading an article on MSN. The subject was "What's a mom worth?"

Now as moms, we know we are often undervalued and underappreciated. It just goes with the territory. We're still devoted to our kids.

BUT, according to a recent report by Salary.com, which calculates the wages that would have been paid to a stay-at-home mom in 2007, if you were paid for everything you do in your job as "mom," that job would be worth $138,095 a year!

The report goes on to say that moms who have jobs outside the home would earn another $85,939 for their mothering work, beyond what they bring home with their current salary.

Don't forget about your mom this Sunday - it's Mother's Day!

And, if you'd like to learn how you can actually make 6 figures, check out my new program for work at home moms, 6FigureWorkAtHomeMom. It starts on May 16th and I still have a few spots available!

I just published a new ebook titled “Do You Have What It Takes To Be A 6-Figure Work At Home Mom?” and it is available for free at www.6FigureWorkAtHomeMom.com, my website committed to helping mothers successfully balance career and family.

The ebook includes a checklist women can use to gauge where they are with regard to work and family, including their desires and motivations, so they can determine if becoming a 6-figure work at home mom is a reasonable goal.

In the past four months since I introduced 6FigureWorkAtHomeMom I have received over 80 questions from women about becoming a 6-figure work at home mom. Most of those questions are about how to do it and if it is really possible. Of course it is possible, I have done it and so have other women, but it is not for every mother. This eEbook will help women discover if it is right for them.

To get your free copy, please visit www.6figureworkathomemom.com

And be sure to check back tomorrow for news about a brand new teleclass series designed to help you become a 6-figure work at home mom!

For all of those moms out there who are tired of sacrificing time with their children because of their jobs, I just want to say, "It doesn't have to be that way!" I was in your shoes 18 years ago when my daughter Brianna was born. After spending the last 18 years figuring out how to have a financially rewarding home-based business that allows me to better balance my work and family, I am now teaching other moms how to do the same.

On October 16, 2007 I will be launching my second “6 Steps to Becoming a 6-Figure Work At Home Mom” teleclass series. This five-week teleclass series is designed to teach women how to create a work at home business that will earn them a six-figure income. And all participants get a free copy of my 10stepmarketing System!

The early bird registration fee (by October 1, 2007) for the five-week teleclass series is $107. After October 1st, the registration fee is $127. Full details and online registration are available at www.6FigureWorkAtHomeMom.com/6stepclassearly.html

In my business, 6-Figure Work-at-Home Mom, I work with moms to help them create a home-based business that enables them to be home with their kids and earn a good living doing work they love.

But this weekend is Father's Day so we can't forget about the Dads. Because they too play a very important role in the lives of their children.

My friend Terri Marie just sent me this beautiful video she originally produced for her dad, and then decided to share with all dads out there. So I wanted to share it with you.

Enjoy ... and Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there!